So day 2 began with a quick visit to Fort York, built in the late 18th century to protect York (now Toronto) from those pesky and newly independent Americans south of the border.  It seemed rather insignificant compared to the modern world of gleaming skyscrapers in the distance and the rumbling Gardiner Expressway overhead.

Next up was a short ferry ride across to Toronto Islands – a chain of small islands which feature an airport, beautiful parkland, some houses, an optional clothing beach, a mandatory clothing beach and views one way across Lake Ontario, and the other way of Toronto’s waterfront and downtown.

We decided to explore by hiring a tandem.  Cheaper than the other hire options, it was good fun as we’d never ridden one before, however, it was also the most uncomfortable bike ever!

Back on the mainland, and we headed for the St Lawrence Market, a food market selling all sorts of products of both international and local origin – felt a bit like an indoor version of London’s Borough Market.  We tucked into a yummy pecan pie.

Pounding the streets further, we took in the Distillery District.  Once home to the British Empire’s largest distillery, it is now renovated as an ‘urban village’, featuring bars, cafes, restaurants, chocolate shops (but sadly, no free samples), clothes shops and some ‘condos’.

So finally, after a day that covered many miles, we wearily walked back ‘home’, only to be confronted by reminders of what tomorrow will bring…

Stewart